Pre/PBP/Post: Vancouver Whitecaps v. Houston Dynamo, Saturday, March 29

Despite the fact that Vancouver gave a truly terrible showing yesterday against a 10-man Chivas, I think this is going to be a really tough test for Houston. I voted Dynamo Win because I'm a homer, but our history of poor road form makes me cringe. If the Vancouver that played against New York shows up, our defense will have a tough test. If the Vancouver that played against Chivas shows up, our offense will have ample opportunities to put in goals.

It's worth noting that it was very hot in LA yesterday and it's hard to say what kind of effect that had on Vancouver. They definitely looked gassed in the second half. We won't have such an advantage when we play them at home.

 

I hate playing on a plastic pitch, it really changes the game.

 

I couldn't agree more. After watching the Liverpool game, I turned on the Portland game, and the way the ball moved and bounced was hard to watch at first.

 

I commented on this in another thread. Portland's field looked especially slow and dangerous for players. Several people went down with twisted knees and ankles. Lovell Palmer went off with an injury. None of the others looked serious but you could tell that footwork was awkward.

 

Booo facts booo!

 

Same thing with the Seattle - Toronto game a lot of players down grabbing their knees throughout the game. Jermaine Defoe was probably like - "Nice Stadium Nice atmosphere here in the states but Wot in the bloody ell is this pitch??"

 

It was supposed to be the best kind of artificial turf that they used. I wonder if it's time for it to be refurbished.

I've been playing on artificial turf quite a bit lately, and have grown used to it, and even like the feel of it on my ankles. Some turf is better than other turf though.

 

Yeah but the diving/simulation by Liverpool made that match just as hard to watch as the Portland on plastic match.

 

I voted for a tie. VAN smashed NY so I don't know what happened with CHV. Based on our record there alone, I'm going for a 1-1 draw.

Barnes to net his first in the 30th minute.

 

Tim Howard was full of praise for Liverpool's style. He seems to be a secret fan.

Though I am happy that Gerrard missed the third PK. Sturridge went down easily.

 

who has our away record in Canada in general? isn't it abysmal?

demolished supporters shield holders, then tie a team (2nd worst in league last year) that went down to 10men in the first half... I have no idea what to expect.

 

That's sick...















...Dynamo 14 - 1 Vancouver

 

stumbledore does not suck.......

 

....unless it’s a 1v1 with the goalie, then he is guaranteed to miss

 

unless its against DC?

 

Good test for the defense. Vancouver has loads of speed up top and playmakers in the midfield. We'll see how well Horst/Taylor cope with that speed. Let Mattocks get behind them the way Wenger did and it will be a long day.

 

5-0 Dynamo. Brace for Bruin and Corey Ashe hattrick!

 

Vancouver looked pretty awful yesterday as they did last week. Of course both of those matches were on the road; at home on the turf will be a little different.

As for the Dynamo, that 2-0-0 record looking slightly less impressive now given their opponents have played a combined 6 matches now and only managed 1 point between them. Montreal looked poor at home today to Seattle while New England looked not much better at home against Vancouver.

 

Agreed.

@ VAN, Home v. a red-hot FC Dallas, Away v. New England, Away v. red-hot Philadelphia, and away v. last years Shield winners.

I suspect we will know a lot more about the Houston Dynamo this time next month.